Over Speed Training System With Dynamic Tether Transition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing over speed training systems for athletes lack precise control of assisting forces, often result in tripping hazards due to slack tethers, require rapid slowing to avoid collisions, limit training distance, and do not allow for resistive forces during high-speed conditions, making them inefficient and unsafe.
Innovation Solution
A training system with a pair of modules, each equipped with pulleys and resistance cords, applies assistive and resistive forces to athletes along a linear path, transitioning from assistive to resistive forces as the athlete passes through a transition gateway, allowing continuous high-speed training without resetting, and preventing tether slacking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If an elastic tether is used to pull the runner, then over speed conditions can be achieved, but the tether becomes slack and creates tripping hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically transitions the tether from elastic to non-elastic configuration based on runner position. The tether is elastic during the acceleration phase to enable over-speed conditions, then becomes non-elastic during the resistive phase to maintain tension and prevent slacking, resolving the contradiction between achieving high speed and maintaining reliable tension.
Solution Approach 2:
The physical properties of the tether are changed mid-run by switching from an elastic band to a non-elastic cord. This parameter change allows the system to first utilize elastic properties for acceleration and then switch to non-elastic properties for maintaining tension during the resistive phase, eliminating the tripping hazard while preserving over-speed capability.
2Speed
If the tether is anchored to a fixed point, then over speed conditions can be maintained, but the tether becomes slack as the runner approaches the fixed point
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of anchoring the tether to a fixed point in front of the runner, the system uses a moving anchor point that travels with the runner. The non-elastic cord is attached to the runner's harness and extends backward, with the resistance applied through a moving mechanism that maintains constant tension without the tether slackening as the runner approaches a fixed point.
3Force
If ground-based systems with motors or springs are used, then assistive force can be provided, but the runner must slow down rapidly to avoid collision
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from horizontal ground-based resistance to a configuration where resistance is applied at an angle. The non-elastic cord extends backward from the runner at an angle, and the resistance mechanism (such as a vehicle or device moving in the same direction) applies force through this angled tether, allowing the runner to maintain high speed without rapid deceleration or collision risk.
4Strength
If resistive force is applied to the runner, then muscle strength and power output can be improved, but the runner's speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The training system uses periodic alternation between assistive and resistive phases. During the assistive phase, the elastic tether pulls the runner to achieve over-speed conditions. During the resistive phase, the non-elastic cord applies resistance to build strength. This periodic switching allows the runner to experience both speed enhancement and strength building without continuous speed reduction.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables athletes to achieve higher speeds and build strength by applying resistive forces during over-speed conditions, preventing tether slacking and tripping hazards, allowing for rapid repetition of training runs in multiple directions without stopping, thus improving training efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
The resistance cord is made of an elastic material and has sufficient elasticity to allow the cord to be stretched a distance equal to or greater than the distance between the modules
Implementation Method 2
Each module is adapted to provide a training vector to a trainee and is positioned on opposite side of training path to form a transition gateway
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for over speed and resistive training is provided. The method may comprise applying an assistive training force to a trainee which assists the self locomotion of the trainee to reach an over speed condition. The method may further comprise applying a resistive training force to the trainee which resists the self-locomotion to the training along the training path, the resistive training force being applied to the trainee while the trainer is in an over speed condition. The forces, either resistive or assistive, may vary linearly. The system may comprise a pair of modules, each module comprising a frame carrying a plurality of pulleys and a resistance cord. Each of the modules is adapted to provide a training vector to a trainee and is positioned on opposite side of training path to provide both resistive and assistive training vectors.